North Korea remains in the limelight after sentencing two American journalists to 12 years' hard labor.

Euna Lee and Laura Ling, working for California-based Current TV, were found guilty of "hostile acts" and illegal entry into North Korea.

We begin with media coverage on the debate over whether Lee and Ling are being used as political pawns.

Daily North Korea.com thinks Pyongyang is using the case to gain leverage with the U.S.

“The reason why North Korea sentenced them to the maximum penalty allowable under the law was to put pressure on the U.S. and to take the lead in North Korea-U.S. negotiations while drawing out the issue.”

ABC News brings in a counterpoint from an expert.

“… I think that kind of speculation and public announcement actually aggravates North Koreans, in a way that they might behave differently from they originally intended --- that is much more hostile behaviors. They have been making it clear publicly that this issue is not going to be used as a leverage or bargaining chips for all their purposes.”

Controversy aside, MSNBC talks to New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. He was involved in the release of hostages from North Korea in the late 90s.

He brings an optimistic perspective.

“Well it is harsher than expected. The North Koreans are raising the stakes. This is a high stakes poker game...”

“Now the good news also in this bad sentence is that there is no charge of espionage it appears. It appears that the charge is illegal crossing, hostile acts but the good news I believe is now diplomacy and negotiation for the humanitarian release can begin.”

Gawker.com looks for comment from Current TV, where the two journalists work. The website criticizes Current for keeping mum about the issue. The blog also aims at the TV channel’s co-founder, former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

“… Gore has to feel a certain sense of responsibility. … Current—at least publicly—hasn’t done anything for Ling and Lee. It looks bad for him. Hopping a plane to Pyongyang to issue some false “apology” that North Korea could use for internal propaganda purposes might be the smoothest way out of this.”

FOX News is more concerned about the safety of both journalists, asking whether they are actually out of harm’s way.

“If you look at the situation I don’t think its in North Korea’s interest to take a hard line with these two women. I think they see them as very valuable.” --- Bob Dietz, the Asia program coordinator with the committee to protect journalists

Do you think the case of Laura Ling and Euna Lee will be used as a bargaining chip in U.S.-North Korean nuclear negotiations?